AWARDS WRITNG MANUAL - OCTOBER 2009wow.uscgaux.info/Uploads_wowII/114-09/AWARDS...An introductory...

Awards

Recognizing Our Members

Department of Homeland Security United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Revision 4 – – Revised October 2009


Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Contents ....................................................................................................................................... 4 Background and Process ................................................................................................................ 5 Award Eligibility ............................................................................................................................ 8 Why Awards Are Given .................................................................................................................. 8 Things to Do Relative to Award Recommendations .......................................................................... 8 Award Form – Page 1 .................................................................................................................... 9 Award Form – Page 2 ................................................................................................................... 10 Drafting The Award Citation .......................................................................................................... 11 Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation ............................................................................... 13 Citation – Meritorious Team Commendation ................................................................................... 14 Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation ............................................................................. 15 Citation – Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation .............................................................. 16 Auxiliary Achievement Medal ......................................................................................................... 17 Citation – Auxiliary Achievement Medal .......................................................................................... 18 Auxiliary Commendation Medal ..................................................................................................... 19 Citation – Auxiliary Commendation Medal ...................................................................................... 20 Auxiliary Medal of Operational Merit .............................................................................................. 21 Citation – Auxiliary Medal of Operational Merit ............................................................................... 22 Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal ................................................................................................ 23 Citation – Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal ................................................................................. 24 Plaque of Merit ............................................................................................................................. 25 Citation – Plaque of Merit ............................................................................................................. 26 Auxiliary Legion of Merit Medal ..................................................................................................... 27 Citation – Auxiliary Legion of Merit Medal ...................................................................................... 28 Auxiliary Distinguished Service Medal ............................................................................................ 29 Citation – Auxiliary Distinguished Service Medal ............................................................................. 30 Award Perfection/Approval Checklists ............................................................................................ 31 Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Checklist ................................................................. 32 Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation Checklist ............................................................... 32 Auxiliary Achievement Medal Checklist ........................................................................................... 34 Auxiliary Commendation Medal Checklist ....................................................................................... 35 Medal of Operational Merit Checklist .............................................................................................. 36 Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal Checklist .................................................................................. 37 Plaque of Merit Checklist ............................................................................................................... 38 Auxiliary Legion of Merit Medal Checklist........................................................................................ 39 Auxiliary Distinguished Service Medal Checklist .............................................................................. 40


Purpose The award system is the only way that our members are compensated for their undying dedication to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and our nation. All too often, their efforts go unrecognized simply due to the fact that no one appropriately nominated them for the appropriate level of recognition.

Contents This manual will provide you a variety of resources. The following summarizes what is included for your use:

An introductory explanation of the variety of awards for which members can be nominated. These explanations focus on requirements for the award as well as an image of the ribbon representing receipt of the award.

The Award Recommendation form for submission of all award recommendations A specially created check list for award recommenders to utilize in preparing the award

submission. In addition to the check-list nature of this document, it also includes those key words that must be included in the award citation in order to make likelihood of approval greater.

While not included, the Summary of Action or Service is a critical part of the higher-level awards. The Summary of Action or Service provides the details that support the recommendation and the citation. Sources of information that can be utilized to prepare the Summary include: Statements from victims involved; Representatives of other agencies involved in the action or rescue; Newspaper articles; Affidavits or letters from witnesses, relatives and so forth; National Weather Service information for the time/day an action was performed; Statements from active-duty personnel, if they were involved, attesting to the skill/expertise of the Auxiliarist or civilian involved; Statements from those having knowledge of the financial impact of the action, if applicable, i.e., the act saved the US Coast Guard $XXX.


Background and Process Auxiliary and US Coast Guard awards are the only “compensation” available to our members and need to be given out whenever an act or service warrant special recognition. Many in the Auxiliary feel that recognition is not given often enough to our members. This manual author’s experience is even more telling when the question has been asked of Auxiliary audiences, “Please raise your hand if you feel you have ever performed an exceptional act or service for the Auxiliary that has never been officially recognized.” Universally, a rather startling number of hands are raised. What is the solution to this perceived lack of recognition? The simple answer is that more of our members need to be written-up for awards more frequently. So, not only will this manual provide you with some utilitarian tools for initiating awards but will also provide some other tips on member recognition and some tools to help you recognize deserving members. Let’s briefly examine the process of the granting of awards. While all of this may vary slightly between Districts and Regions, the process, in general, roughly universal throughout the Auxiliary. The following recognitions are granted based upon a member completing training, length of service our hours of service and do not require a submission through the awards process:

Auxiliary Membership Service Ribbon Instructor Program Ribbon Examiner Program Ribbon Annual Service Performance Award Ribbons Operations Program Ribbon Marine Safety Training Ribbon Specialty Training Ribbon

While these ribbons are awarded “automatically”, it is incumbent upon Flotilla Commanders, Flotilla Vice Commanders and Flotilla Staff Officers for Member Training, Personnel Services and Operations to be certain that those deserving recognition are appropriately identified by the system tracking these qualifications and recognitions. Apparent errors in such automatic recognition should be communicated through the chain of leadership and reported to the appropriate Member Training District Staff Officer. The Member Training District Staff Officer(s) will work with the office of the Director of Auxiliary to see that corrections are made.


Awards and recognition for which members must be nominated go through a process that may vary from District to District but generally follow this step-wise procedure:

1. The member is nominated at the appropriate level. Most Auxiliary awards can be recommended by ANY MEMBER.

2. If a Flotilla or Division has an Awards Advisor or an Advisory Committee, those resources should be utilized before moving the award recommendation forward.

3. Following local preparation and review, the award recommendation may take one of two paths:

a. The award may be submitted directly to the District Chief of Staff; or, b. The award may be submitted to your District Captain. It is recommended that

your District Captain be involved prior to the District Chief of Staff since that individual may assist in the perfecting of the commendation as well as double-checking that all required information is included.

4. If the award is submitted directly to the District Chief of Staff, s/he may send it down to the District Captain in whose AOR the award originator resides.

5. In 8th Coastal Region, the following describes the role of the District Captain in the awards process:

a. The District Captain will serve as an award advisor/consultant to the Divisions in his/her AOR

b. Members from the District Captain’s AOR may submit summary information to the District Captain. Upon receipt, the District Captain will notify the impacted Division Commander, FC, and the District Chief of Staff.

c. The District Captain will: i. Possibly amend the level of the award appropriate for the action for

which the award is being recommended; ii. Draft a commendation to be submitted with the award that will go

forward to the District Chief of Staff; iii. When necessary, advise the award recommender that the level of the

award has been modified; iv. Move the award recommendation, summary of action or service when

required, District award nomination form, and citation to the District Chief of Staff.

d. The District Captain will offer to the Divisions in his/her AOR a presentation at a Division meeting, as determined by the Division Commander, on the awards program and appropriate submission of awards

e. The District Captain will also serve as the advocate for any award being submitted by any member in any Division in his/her AOR.

f. The added involvement of the District Captain should not add any more than 72-hours to the time that it takes for a member’s award recommendation to reach the District Chief of Staff, provided there is no further background research or clarification required.

g. The District Captain will submit the award recommendation package to the District Chief of Staff when the package is completed.


h. When appropriate, the District Captain may recommend to the Division Commander that the award nominee be recognized at the local level and not be recognized through the formal award process. When this action takes place, the District Chief of Staff should be copied on any communication to the Division Commander.

6. When an award recommendation is received by the District Chief of Staff, the Division Commander of the member’s Division will be notified of the receipt of the award recommendation.

7. At some point during the process of the award being reviewed at the District level, it may be passed on to the Director of Auxiliary for the District to review the wording of the citation and the possible re-writing or modification of the citation to make it more in keeping with accepted norms.

8. After the award recommendation is logged-in by the District Chief of Staff, if it does not need to be referred back to the District Captain for any re-work, it is passed along to the District Awards Advisory Committee. This small group of very experienced Auxiliarists makes recommendations to the District Awards Board as to the approval/disapproval of the award or whether or not they believe the award being recommended is appropriate or might appropriately be granted a higher or lower precedence award. At times, the District Awards Advisory Committee will recommend to the District Chief of Staff that the award recommendation be sent back to the originator for improvement of the citation or additional supporting documentation. The District Awards Board, while respecting the opinion of the District Awards Advisory Committee, is in no way obligated to accept the recommendations of the District Awards Advisory Committee.

9. The award is then given to the District Awards Board, the EXCOM, consisting of the District Commodore, District Chief of Staff, District Captains, District Director and the Immediate Past District Commodore. By a majority vote of this Awards Board, the award is passed along to the appropriate Coast Guard Officer for final approval and preparation of the award. The regular Coast Guard officer who must sign a particular award may make further modifications to the citation before it is presented.

10. If an award is not approved by the Awards Board, the award recommender is notified that the award was not approved and whether a re-work of the award might modify the Board’s decision. The most typical reason that an award is not approved is due to the observation that “s/he was just doing her/his job” and there was nothing more that was accomplished than should be reasonably expected of someone is a similar position.

11. If an award is not approved and the Flotilla Commander or Division Commander feels that some special recognition is warranted for the individual, there is nothing to prevent the preparation of a certificate of appreciation or a similar document. The objective is to see that someone who a member felt was deserving of special recognition does, ultimately, receive some sort of special recognition.


Award Eligibility The following individuals can be recognized under the award system:

Auxiliarists Active-duty Coast Guard Reservists Civilians can be recognized by certain Coast Guard formal awards

Why Awards Are Given Citations are prepared to recognize individuals, teams or units for the following:

Acts of heroism which may or may not have involved significant risk to the individual being recognized

Meritorious achievements Meritorious service that goes beyond what is normally expected in the capacity in which

the individual, team or unit is tasked A distinguished performance worthy of recognition Some act that demonstrated noteworthy extra effort, extra work, personal risk or

significant financial benefit/savings the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary

Things to Do Relative to Award Recommendations First, if you recommend a member for an award, it’s probably most prudent not to let the member know that you have put them up for an award and you expect them to get it…remember that the approval process is fairly stringent and you and, perhaps, the member will be embarrassed if the award is not approved. Second, if someone is not approved for an award, consider giving them an internally generated certificate of recognition…if someone thought the act or service was significant enough to write a member up for an award, it is surely significant enough to prepare a special certificate if the award is not approved. The first time you write up an award, get some help from someone within your Flotilla or Division who has written successful award citations.


Award Form – Page 1

REQUIRED

REQUIRED

REQUIRED

REQUIRED

Useful even if not required for the award level recommended

Level of award may be changed during the review/approval process

REQUIRED

REQUIRED

If submitting electronically, just type your name in this box

REQUIRED

SELECT AS APPROPRIATE


Award Form – Page 2

Completion of this field is required for all award submissions. It may be edited upon review by the DISTRICT CAPTAIN, DISTRICT CHIEF OF STAFF or after evaluation by the Awards Advisory Committee…Make your best effort

If first sent to your District Captain, enter the date sent here.

If sent directly to District Chief of Staff, enter the date submitted and be sure your District Captain gets a copy.

If you cannot save Adobe forms, use this button to print-out the form and send it to your District Captain by mail


Drafting The Award Citation

Limit the use of the phrase, “during the citation period.” The citation’s effective period is stated in the opening sentence, and it is understood that all of the awardee’s actions occurred during the effective period. To use the phrase anywhere else in the citation is redundant

Quantifiable data (e.g. – numbers) are an absolute must for inclusion in an award nomination. Numbers must be pertinent, relevant, and directly related to the award nominee’s actions. Numbers must be specific, for example:

o Now many boats, planes, radio facilities were impacted? o What specific increases/decreases resulted from the award nominee’s actions? o Home much money was managed/saved? o How many organizations did the award nominee work with/coordinate?

The awardee’s name should not appear in every sentence. A comfortable pattern is to have the name appear in every other sentence, alternating with “he” or “she” in the other sentences if they must be referred to.

Whenever the award nominee’s last name appears in the citation, it should be capitalized. For example, “Auxiliarist JONES” or “Commodore JONES.”

Sentence construction is important because citations are generally composed in order to be read aloud. Toward this end, many sentences should be constructed so that they open with a descriptive clause about how the awardee utilized their own skills, followed by the center of the statement that describes the awardee’s actions, and finally closed with a descriptive result. (See sample citations that follow)

It is crucial to incorporate the adversity/challenges that were encountered in the mission…otherwise; recognition for above-and-beyond-the-call performance cannot be justified.

Unless an Auxiliarist holds or has held the title of District Commodore or higher, they must be referred to as either “Auxiliarist”, “Mr” or “Ms” throughout the citation. If they hold or have held the position of District Commodore or higher, then they must be referred to as “Commodore.”

Do not use the staff position acronym n the citation, not even parenthesized…just spell it out completely in the opening sentence.

Use only standardized phraseology for the upper titling portion of the award citation. Only capital letters should be used in this portion of the award citation.

Use only standard opening and closing sentences for citation texts. Do not add or change these formats.

The last sentence of the citation expresses the gratitude of the United States Coast Guard. Do not preface it with a sentence that essentially does the same thing.


Minimize the use of acronyms in the citation. If an acronym must be used, then spell it out completely the first time; follow it by the acronym in parentheses, then use the acronym throughout the rest of the citation. Acronyms should not be used with staff position titles.

Ensure that the awardee’s staff position title is the exactly the same title on the award recommendation form as it is in the citation and that they both match the title as it appears in the National Program or the Auxiliary Manual.

ACLOC and MTC citations are the only award citations that are written in portrait format. All other citations (ACM, AAM, AMSM, MOM, ALOM, and ADSM) are written in landscape format.

The ACLOC is the only award written in the first and second person formats (“I note with pride…”/”You did this…”) All other citations are written in the third person (“Mr. JONES did this”/”He did this”).

Spell out any numbers from zero to nine, then use the actual number for values greater than nine. Spell out the word “percent” and “million.” For example:

o “eight committees” o “$450,000” o “six percent” o “68 percent” o “$5.5 million” o “3,500 aircraft” o “two million subscriptions”

Avoid the run-on sentence trap when drafting a citation. If a sentence runs three lines long, it is probably too long and should be broken into at least two shorter sentences.

Citations should be 12-17 full lines long, for both citations in the landscape format (ACM, AAM, AMSM, MOM, ALOM, and ADSM) as well as the principal paragraph in portrait citations for the ACLOC. MTC portrait citations should be at least 17 full lines long.

Use standard margins and test for format for citations: o AAM, ACM, AMSM, MOM, ALOM, ADSM landscape margins are: Top 0.7”,

bottom 1.25”, sides 1.0” o ACLOC portrait margins are: Top 1.5”, bottom 1.0”, sides 1.5” o MTC portrait margins are: Top 1.5”, bottom 1.0”, sides 1.25” o All citations must be written in Times New Roman, bold, 12-point font. o All award text must be full justified.


Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation This award can be presented to an Auxiliarist or Active Duty member as well as to civilians including police, firemen, political leaders, media members, etc., whoever contributed to the making the team successful. Those being recommended must have made a significant contribution to the group or team being recognized. The award can also be used to recognize a team or group’s service/performance for a special event or project. Captains (O-6) or higher serving in command billets (Area, District, Sector, Ship, or Unit), serving as an Office Chief at CGHQ or serving as an Auxiliary District/Regional Director may authorize this award. The command member, exercising operational or administrative control of the Team to be recognized should initiate the recommendation. Recommendations for Meritorious Team Commendation are made to appropriate operational CG commanders for actions under their control. Awards involving Auxiliary Flotilla, Division or District staffs must be forwarded to the applicable Director. Recommendations involving National Staff must be forwarded to the Chief Director. Awards should be recommended promptly after the action as there is a time limitation for making recommendations. Separate recommendations for team members are NOT required. The recommendation includes a single award recommendation form, the citation and a listing of individuals recommended for the award. The commendation must reflect that the activity of the group or team is clearly above and beyond the performance of other groups in like activity. Separate commendation certificates indicating each recipient by name will be more meaningful versus a certificate that does not show recipient names. An “O” device can be recommended if the citation is for operational in nature including underway operations, communications watchstanding, over-flights, and other operational activities that are not necessarily underway activities. Recipients receive a ribbon only. There is no mini-medal. Civilians recognized for the Meritorious Team Commendation receive a separate civilian pin. Subsequent awards are recognized by large gold stars for second through the fifth award and a large silver star for the sixth award.


Citation – Meritorious Team Commendation

THE COMMANDANT OF THE COAST GUARD TAKE PLEASURE IN PRESENTING

THE COAST GUARD MERITORIOUS TEAM COMMENDATION to:

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY RADIO STATION SEABROOK RELOCATION TEAM

for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For exceptionally meritorious service from May 2000 to September 2000 while serving as a member of the Auxiliary Radio Station Seabrook Relocation Team. Following the loss of the 30+ year old Seabrook radio and SAR facility, which served as the major Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary presence in the Galveston Bay area, team members began an initiative to restore the direct Coast Guard support asset. A suitable barge was located and transferred from an active duty Coast Guard command to Division 6 of the Eighth Coast Guard District Auxiliary. Immediately upon delivery of the barge, members of Division 6 undertook efforts to make the new facility operational. Myriad tasks had to be accomplished before the barge would be serviceable, which included construction and/or installation of electrical wiring, flooring, radio cable, air conditioning, doors, gangways, and water service. Despite record-setting temperatures between 110 and 112 degrees, members of the team enthusiastically spend hundreds of hours working both inside the sweltering barge and outside in the direct sunlight. As a result of these extraordinary efforts, Auxiliary Radio Station Seabrook was transformed into an operational facility well ahead of even the most optimistic schedule. The team’s hard work and long hours, under extremely adverse conditions, reestablished the Coast Guard and Auxiliary boating safety and search-and-rescue capability on the third largest recreational boating area in the United States. The dedication, pride and professionalism displayed by the Auxiliary Radio Station Seabrook Relocation Team reflects upon each team member, the United States Coast Guard.

For the Commandant,

Captain, United States Coast Guard

Director of Auxiliary


Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation This award is the Auxiliary's equivalent to the Coast Guard's Commandant Letter of Commendation (CLOC) award. The award is intended for Auxiliarists serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard or Auxiliary for any act of service resulting in unusual and/or outstanding achievement, whose performance is lesser than that required for the Auxiliary Achievement Medal. Review the nature of the Auxiliary Achievement Medal and if the desired recognition of the member or members does not come up to the Standards for the Auxiliary Achievement Medal then the ACLOC is likely award for which the member should be cited. The award can also be used to recognize an Auxiliarist's service/performance for a special event or project. Commanding Officers/Sector Commanders, Directors of Auxiliary, Division Chiefs of headquarters, Sector, or District offices, 0-4 and above on Active Duty, may approve the ACLOC. This award is always written in the first person as contrasted to all other award citations. An “O” device can be recommended if the citation is for action that is operational in nature. Recipients receive both a ribbon and an accompanying mini-medal. Subsequent awards are recognized by large gold stars for second through the fifth award and a large silver star for the sixth award.


Citation – Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation From: Commandant To: John Doe, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

1. I note with pride and am pleased to commend you for your performance of duty during the period September 2000 through March 2001 while serving as the Eighth Coast Guard District, Coastal Region, Coastie the Safety Boat Coordinator. During this period you have significantly contributed to the public affairs and outreach program by personally utilizing Coastie the Safety Boat, an interactive robotic boat, to teach safe boating and water safety to children and adults throughout the state of Texas. Since September 2000, you traveled at your own expense to 57 scheduled events reaching more than 10,000 children and willingly trained other Auxiliary members within the Coastal Region on the technical and safe use of Coastie. A formal training program you initiated, complete with a training manual, has inspired other Auxiliarists to be interested in using Coastie within their local area. You developed a Coastie website that allows members access to current schedules of events, photo archives, Coastie performance tips, Coastie appearance request information and technical assistance,. Your enthusiasm for the Coastie program has reached the national level and you graciously accepted a request to participate as a member of the National Coastie the Safety Boat Development Team. Additionally, your liaison with media representatives and your website has instilled a positive image of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

2. You are commended for your outstanding performance of duty. By your meritorious service you have upheld the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.

3. You are hereby authorized to wear the Auxiliary Commandant's Letter of Commendation Award miniature medal and ribbon.

For the Commandant,

Captain, United States Coast Guard

Director of Auxiliary


Auxiliary Achievement Medal This award is given to a member in recognition of sustained professional and/or leadership in either administration or operations. The award is for recognition of outstanding achievement or service over an extended period of time. Sustained service for this award is defined as period of one-year or more. The service to be recognized may be either administrative or operational. The award may be approved by any O-5 of an operational unit or serving as a Division Chief or higher at a District Office or Sector or headquarters office. Any DIRAUX at O-5 and above may approve the award. Special wording that should appear in the citation includes: OUTSTANDING, EXCEPTIONAL, SUSTAINED OVER mention period of time, LEADERSHIP ACHIEVEMENT(S) OVER cited period of time. If the award is for operations awarding of the “O” device should be recommended. Recipients receive both a ribbon and accompanying mini-medal. Subsequent awards are recognized by large gold stars for second through the fifth award and a large silver star for the sixth award.


Citation – Auxiliary Achievement Medal

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Auxiliary Commendation Medal This award is given to members who provide outstand administrative service that furthers any of the Auxiliary’s authorized activities. This is purely an administrative award and, thus, no “O” device may be worn. This award recognizes administrative service that is truly worthy of special recognition. It recognizes service that is much better than could normally be expected from a member of like capability and experience. Neither doing a difficult job well nor doing a normal staff or elected position in an excellent manner is sufficient. The member must have done some administrative task that is both outstanding and significantly furthers or expands an authorized activity. This award may be approved by any Commanding Officer O-6 and above of an operational unit or serving as a Division Chief or higher at the District Office, Sector or Headquarters. A District Director of Auxiliary, O-6 and above, may also approve the award. Special wording that should appear in the citation: OUTSTANDING, EXCEPTIONAL, SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED the authorized activity, SIGNIFICANTLY EXCEEDED THE EXPECTED RESULTS FROM the authorized activity. Recipients receive both a ribbon and accompanying mini-medal. Subsequent awards are recognized by large gold stars for second through the fifth award and a large silver star for the sixth award.


Citation – Auxiliary Commendation Medal

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th

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on t

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ent,

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d b

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are

now

bac

k o

n

lin

e an

d

fun

ctio

nin

g.

Au

xili

aris

t F

AU

LL

's

per

seve

ran

ce,

ded

icat

ion

, an

d

dev

otio

n

to

du

ty

are

mos

t h

eart

ily

com

men

ded

an

d a

re in

kee

pin

g w

ith

th

e h

igh

est

trad

itio

ns

of t

he

Un

ited

Sta

tes

Coa

st G

uar

d.


Auxiliary Medal of Operational Merit This is purely an operational award and as such there is no “O” device authorized for this award. This award is approved only for underway operations onboard an aircraft, boat or ship involving an outstanding assist, rescue or other operational service. This award is not authorized for those involved in radio watch standing nor those involved in an operational mission in a staff capacity only. In addition, the operational activity must be truly outstanding in its demonstration of the member’s skill though it does not require extreme skill nor any risk to the member’s life. This award may be approved by any Commanding Officer O-6 and above of an operational unit or serving as a Division Chief or higher at the District Office, Sector or Headquarters. A District Director of Auxiliary, O-6 and above, may also approve the award. Special wording that should appear in the citation: OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT, OUTSTANDING SKILLS, OUTSTANDING OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE, OUTSTANDING SKILL IN PERFORMING THE ASSIST/RESCUE, MERITORIOUS OPERATIONAL SERVICE. Outstanding operational performance and other meritorious operational service have been added to allow for recognition of members having performed a series of operational services that, standing by themselves, would not usually warrant this award but taken together receive this special recognition. Recipients receive both a ribbon and accompanying mini-medal. Subsequent awards are recognized by large gold stars for second through the fifth award and a large silver star for the sixth award.


Citation – Auxiliary Medal of Operational Merit

CIT

AT

ION

TO

AC

CO

MP

AN

Y T

HE

AW

AR

D O

F

T

HE

AU

XIL

IAR

Y M

ED

AL

OF

OP

ER

AT

ION

AL

ME

RIT

TO

JOA

NN

E W

. BU

RC

H

U

NIT

ED

ST

AT

ES

CO

AS

T G

UA

RD

AU

XIL

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Y

Au

xili

aris

t B

UR

CH

is

cite

d f

or o

uts

tan

din

g m

erit

orio

us

ach

ieve

men

t an

d o

per

atio

nal

sk

ill

in t

he

per

form

ance

of

du

ty

on 2

Ju

ne

2001

wh

ile

serv

ing

as c

oxsw

ain

of

the

Au

xili

ary

Fac

ilit

y S

ER

IT d

uri

ng

a re

scu

e on

Lak

e P

ontc

har

trai

n.

Wh

ile

moo

red

in

th

e vi

cin

ity

of t

he

Sea

bro

ok B

rid

ge,

the

crew

of

the

SE

RIT

ob

serv

ed a

15

to 1

6 fo

ot t

ri-h

ull

ed v

esse

l w

ith

sev

en p

erso

ns

on b

oard

, in

clu

din

g yo

un

g ch

ild

ren

. O

ne

of t

he

Au

xili

ary

crew

mem

ber

s ac

tual

ly c

oun

ted

th

e n

um

ber

of

peo

ple

on

boa

rd b

ecau

se h

e fe

lt t

hat

it

was

dan

gero

usl

y ov

erlo

aded

, not

ju

st b

y th

e n

um

ber

of

per

son

s, b

ut

the

lack

of

free

boa

rd b

ased

on

th

e si

ze *

of t

he

per

son

s. T

his

cou

nt

soon

bec

ame

very

imp

orta

nt

to e

very

one.

Th

ere

was

a

4 to

5 k

not

cu

rren

t ru

nn

ing

to L

ake

Pon

tch

artr

ain

from

th

e G

ulf

of

Mex

ico

wit

h w

hit

e w

ater

sh

owin

g at

th

e S

eab

rook

Bri

dge

. As

the

tri-

hu

ll a

ppro

ach

ed t

he

wh

ite

wat

er, w

aves

beg

an c

omin

g ov

er t

he

bow

, an

d t

hos

e in

th

e fr

ont

of t

he

vess

el r

an t

o th

e b

ack

. T

his

cau

sed

th

e st

em t

o st

art

taki

ng

on w

ater

and

th

e tr

i-h

ull

qu

ick

ly s

lip

ped

un

der

th

e ch

urn

ing

wat

er,

stem

fir

st.

Au

xili

aris

t B

UR

CH

im

med

iate

ly b

ack

ed t

he

SE

RIT

dow

n t

o th

e ov

ertu

rned

ves

sel

and

re

cove

red

tw

o of

th

e vi

ctim

s. T

hey

ob

serv

ed t

he

rem

ain

ing

5 n

on-s

wim

mer

s w

ere

not

wea

rin

g P

FD

's a

nd

wer

e sl

ipp

ing

away

fro

m t

he

over

turn

ed v

esse

l. T

wo

of t

he

you

nge

r ch

ild

ren

had

gon

e b

enea

th t

he

surf

ace

seve

ral

tim

es a

nd

wer

e st

rugg

lin

g to

sta

y af

loat

. A

uxi

liar

ist

Bu

rch

an

d h

is c

rew

th

rew

Coa

st G

uar

d is

sued

th

row

lin

es w

ith

flo

ats

to t

he

dro

wn

ing

chil

dre

n. E

ven

th

ough

on

e of

th

e ch

ild

ren

was

goi

ng

dow

n a

gain

he

was

ab

le t

o gr

ab t

he

corr

ectl

y p

osit

ion

ed

lin

e al

ong

wit

h

anot

her

ch

ild

an

d

was

p

ull

ed

to

the

stem

of

th

e fa

cili

ty

wh

ere

they

w

ere

yan

ked

to

sa

fety

. S

imu

ltan

eou

sly

wit

h f

loat

lin

es, A

uxi

liar

ist

BU

RC

H a

nd

his

cre

w w

ere

also

th

row

ing

thro

w r

ings

an

d f

lota

tion

dev

ices

to

th

e ot

her

vic

tim

s. T

he w

orst

cas

e of

th

e tw

o d

row

nin

g ch

ild

ren

was

res

cued

fir

st a

nd

giv

en t

reat

men

t as

sh

e co

ugh

ed

up

an

d

regu

rgit

ate

a lo

t of

w

ater

. O

ther

vi

ctim

s w

ere

rem

oved

an

d

trea

ted

b

y p

rior

ity.

A

uxi

liar

ist

BU

RC

H

dem

onst

rate

d e

xcep

tion

al p

rofe

ssio

nal

ism

in

dea

lin

g w

ith

mu

ltip

le v

icti

ms

wit

hou

t li

fe j

ack

ets,

exc

epti

onal

boa

t h

and

lin

g in

tu

rbu

len

t w

ater

s, a

nd

exc

epti

onal

sta

min

a an

d c

oura

ge i

n r

ecov

erin

g p

erso

ns

as l

arge

as

or l

arge

r th

an h

e fr

om t

he

swim

pla

tfor

m o

f th

e S

ER

IT u

nd

er t

he

turb

ule

nt

con

dit

ion

s. A

uxi

liar

ist

BU

RC

H's

per

seve

ran

ce,

ded

icat

ion

an

d d

evot

ion

to

du

ty a

re m

ost

hea

rtil

y co

mm

end

ed a

nd

are

in

kee

pin

g w

ith

th

e h

igh

est

trad

itio

ns

of t

he

Un

ited

Sta

tes

Coa

st G

uar

d.


Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal The service recognized by this award must be of an exceptionally outstanding nature and have enhanced the Auxiliary goals at the District level or above. The service rendered and recognized has a significant positive effect on the ability of the US Coast Guard or the Auxiliary to complete its missions or goals. The recognition must be approved by a US Coast Guard Flag Officer. Special wording that should appear in the citation: OUTSTANDING, MERITORIOUS, WORTHY OF SPECIAL RECOGNITION, ON THE ENTIRE DISTRICT (OR THE ENTIRE US COAST GUARD AUXLIARY), SIGNIFICANT POSITIVE IMPACT, IMPACT ON THE US COAST GUARD, IMPACT ON THE US COAST GUARD AUXILIARY. Recipients receive both a ribbon and accompanying mini-medal. “O” attachment may be authorized for this award. Subsequent awards are recognized by large gold stars for second through the fifth award and a large silver star for the sixth award.


Citation – Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal

CIT

AT

ION

TO

AC

CO

MP

AN

Y T

HE

AW

AR

D O

F

T

HE

AU

XIL

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Y M

ER

ITO

RIO

US

SE

RV

ICE

ME

DA

L

T

O

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AR

D A

. CL

INC

HY

, III

UN

ITE

D S

TA

TE

S C

OA

ST

GU

AR

D A

UX

ILIA

RY

Au

xili

aris

t C

LIN

CH

Y i

s ci

ted

for

ou

tsta

nd

ing

mer

itor

ious

ser

vice

in

th

e p

erfo

rman

ce o

f du

ty f

rom

1 M

arch

200

0 th

rou

gh 1

6 D

ecem

ber

200

2 w

hil

e se

rvin

g as

bot

h i

nst

ruct

or a

nd

sit

e co

ord

inat

or f

or t

wel

ve s

essi

ons

of t

he

Flo

till

a C

omm

and

ers

Aca

dem

y in

th

e E

igh

th C

oast

Gu

ard

Dis

tric

t, C

oast

al R

egio

n.

Th

e th

ree

year

s of

Aca

dem

y se

ssio

ns

hav

e se

en c

ycle

s of

con

tin

uou

s im

prov

emen

t th

at h

as r

esu

lted

in t

he

Eig

hth

Dis

tric

t p

rogr

am b

ein

g th

e b

ench

mar

k

for

Flo

till

a C

omm

and

er t

rain

ing

in t

he

nat

ion

. T

hou

gh o

nly

40%

of

Com

man

der

s at

ten

ded

th

e se

ssio

ns

of t

he

firs

t ye

ar, o

ver

94%

att

end

ed t

he

sess

ion

s in

200

2. F

or t

he

east

ern

hal

f of

th

e re

gion

, Au

xili

aris

t C

LIN

CH

Y p

erso

nal

ly

arra

nge

d b

erth

ing

at t

he

Bac

hel

or O

ffic

er Q

uart

ers

at t

he P

ensa

cola

Nav

al A

ir S

tati

on f

or e

ach

ses

sion

, eac

h y

ear,

at

a c

ost

savi

ngs

of

mor

e th

an $

7,00

0 ov

er u

sin

g h

otel

roo

ms

in t

he

area

. F

urt

her

, Au

xili

aris

t C

LIN

CH

Y u

sed

his

ex

per

ien

ce

as

a p

rofe

ssio

nal

ed

uca

tor

to

crea

te

Pow

erP

oin

t p

rese

nta

tion

s fo

r al

l th

e in

stru

ctor

s,

infu

sin

g te

chn

olog

y an

d l

earn

ing

pri

nci

ple

s to

pro

du

ce o

uts

tan

din

g tr

ain

ing

aid

s.

Th

ough

ori

gin

ally

sch

edu

led

for

a t

wo-

year

ten

ure

as

an i

nst

ruct

or,

Au

xili

aris

t C

LIN

CH

Y m

et a

las

t-m

inu

te c

all

to s

erve

aga

in a

th

ird

yea

r in

200

2 an

d

rear

ran

ged

his

sch

edu

le t

o ac

com

mod

ate

the

Dis

tric

t n

eed

. H

is c

ontr

ibu

tion

def

init

ely

ben

efit

ed t

he

enti

re D

istr

ict

by

pro

du

cin

g b

ette

r le

ader

s.

Au

xili

aris

t C

LIN

CH

Y’s

per

seve

ran

ce,

ded

icat

ion

an

d d

evot

ion

to

du

ty a

re m

ost

hea

rtil

y co

mm

end

ed a

nd

in k

eep

ing

wit

h t

he

hig

hes

t tr

adit

ion

s of

the

Un

ited

Sta

tes

Coa

st G

uar

d.


Plaque of Merit This award is given to Auxiliarists in recognition of their extreme skill in performing an assist or rescue that also involved risk to the Auxiliarist’s life. The Plaque of Merit comes only from the Commandant of the Coast Guard via the Chief Director of the Auxiliary. Special wording that should appear in the citation: EXTREME SKILL in performing an ASSIST or RESCUE at RISK TO THE MEMBER’S LIFE. The Plaque can only be given for an assist or rescue. The individual must have demonstrated extreme skill as compared to skill required for the Medal of Operational Merit. There must, in addition, have been risk to the member’s life. Neither the assist nor rescue must have been successful, only that the action required extreme skill and was performed at risk to the member’s life. Recipients receive a bronze plaque, ribbon and miniature medal. There is no certificate. The operational “O” attachment is not authorized for this award since, by its very nature, it is an operational award. Subsequent awards are signified by 5/16 inch gold or silver stars as appropriate.


Citation – Plaque of Merit

CIT

AT

ION

TO

AC

CO

MP

AN

Y T

HE

AW

AR

D O

F

T

HE

AU

XIL

IAR

Y P

LA

QU

E O

F M

ER

IT

T

O

C

LE

VE

CH

AN

DL

ER

UN

ITE

D S

TA

TE

S C

OA

ST

GU

AR

D A

UX

ILIA

RY

A

uxi

liar

ist

CH

AN

DL

ER

is

cite

d f

or e

xtre

me

skil

l in

eff

ecti

ng

a re

scu

e on

13

July

200

0 at

ris

k t

o h

is o

wn

lif

e.

Wh

ile

chap

eron

ing

a gr

oup

of

chil

dre

n f

rom

his

ch

urc

h o

n a

boa

tin

g tr

ip a

t L

ake

Tan

gip

ahoa

, A

uxi

liar

ist

CH

AN

DL

ER

ob

serv

ed a

Ply

mou

th v

an s

lid

e d

own

an

em

ban

km

ent

nex

t to

the

dam

an

d i

nto

th

e la

ke.

Rac

ing

his

boa

t to

th

e lo

cati

on,

Au

xili

aris

t C

HA

ND

LE

R s

pen

t th

ose

pre

ciou

s fe

w s

econ

ds

bri

efin

g th

e ot

her

ad

ult

on

th

e b

oat

on t

he

cou

rse

of a

ctio

n t

o b

e ta

ken

an

d a

rran

ged

for

som

eone

to

tak

e ov

er t

he

hel

m o

f th

e b

oat.

Div

ing

into

th

e w

ater

, A

uxi

liar

ist

CH

AN

DL

ER

qu

ick

ly a

rriv

ed a

t th

e p

asse

nge

r w

ind

ow a

nd

ob

serv

ed a

n e

lder

ly

cou

ple

sit

tin

g in

th

e va

n,

froz

en i

n t

erro

r. B

ased

on

Au

xili

aris

t C

HA

ND

LE

R’s

dir

ecti

on,

the

oth

er a

du

lt f

rom

th

e b

oat

pu

t a

life

jac

ket

on t

he

mal

e d

rive

r an

d a

ssis

ted

him

fro

m t

he

van

, wh

ich

was

now

tak

ing

on w

ater

at

an i

ncr

easi

ng

rate

. T

he

fem

ale

pas

sen

ger,

bes

ides

bei

ng

terr

ifie

d t

o th

e p

oin

t of

hys

teri

a, w

as o

verw

eigh

t an

d

had

a k

nee

rep

lace

men

t, w

hic

h im

mob

iliz

ed h

er le

g. A

s th

e d

rive

r w

as p

ull

ed o

ut,

th

e va

n s

ud

den

ly s

un

k w

ith

a

gulp

ing

sou

nd

, ta

kin

g d

own

wit

h i

t b

oth

th

e fe

mal

e p

asse

nge

r an

d A

uxi

liar

ist

CH

AN

DL

ER

. T

he

wat

er d

epth

b

y th

e d

am r

ange

s fr

om 1

5 to

30

feet

, an

d t

he

van

dis

app

eare

d f

rom

sig

ht.

Au

xili

aris

t C

HA

ND

LE

R b

rok

e th

e su

rfac

e fo

r a

mom

ent,

too

k a

gre

at g

asp

of

air,

an

d d

ove

bac

k d

own

aga

in. T

hen

, acc

ord

ing

to a

wit

nes

s, i

t w

as

just

lik

e in

th

e m

ovie

s. T

he

wat

er h

as g

otte

n s

till

, th

ere

was

com

ple

te s

ilen

ce o

n s

hor

e fr

om t

he

onlo

oker

s, a

nd

as

eve

ryon

e fo

cuse

d o

n t

hat

sm

all

pat

ch o

f w

ater

, Au

xili

aris

t C

HA

ND

LE

R’s

han

d c

ame

spla

shin

g u

p, t

hen

his

h

ead

ap

pea

red

, an

d f

inal

ly t

he

figu

re o

f th

e re

scu

ed v

icti

m. P

ark

Ran

gers

an

d S

tate

Pol

ice

wer

e b

oth

on

sce

ne

by

the

tim

e th

e re

scu

e w

as c

omp

lete

, an

d t

hey

pro

vid

ed e

mer

gen

cy m

edic

al a

ssis

tan

ce t

o th

e se

mic

onsc

iou

s w

oman

for

bre

ath

ing

dif

ficu

ltie

s p

rior

to

adm

itti

ng

her

to

a h

osp

ital

for

tre

atm

ent,

wh

ich

res

ult

ed i

n a

fu

ll

reco

very

. A

uxi

liar

ist

CH

AN

DL

ER

’s r

apid

res

pon

se,

skil

lfu

l d

irec

tion

, an

d u

nse

lfis

h a

ctio

ns a

re m

ost

hea

rtil

y co

mm

end

ed a

nd

are

in k

eep

ing

wit

h t

he

hig

hest

tra

diti

ons

of t

he

Un

ited

Sta

tes

Coa

st G

uar

d.


Auxiliary Legion of Merit Medal This award, equivalent of the US Coast Guard Legion of Merit Medal, recognizes those individuals who distinguish themselves by contributing exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service to the Coast Guard Auxiliary at the in multiple Auxiliary Regions, an Auxiliary Area, or at the National level. The performance required to justify this award is exceptional performance of duty which benefits the Auxiliary in an area greater than a single Region or District. This performance must be much higher than normally expected and must have a measurable, positive effect on a broad expanse of the Auxiliary organization and impacting multiple Districts or Regions, an Auxiliary Area, or the entire Coast Guard Auxiliary at the National level. Normally this award will be given to elected or appointed officers for extraordinary achievement. However, this caveat does not exclude the possibility that anyone whose service measures up the above description may be recognized by this award. This award may be considered when a member provides exceptional service that does not measure up to the level of the Distinguished Service Medal but does have wide ranging impact. This award can only be approved by the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the award recommendation must be reviewed by the Auxiliary National Commodore before it is routed to the Commandant via the Chief Director of the Auxiliary. Special wording that should appear in the citation: EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, MERITORIOUS SERVICE having a SIGNIFICANT IMPACT on the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in multiple Districts or Regions, a Coast Guard Area, or the entire Coast Guard Auxiliary at the National level. Include QUANTIFIABLE MEASURE of the Auxiliarist’s contribution. The award consists of a citation letter, ribbon, miniature medal, and certificate. The operational “O” attachment is not authorized for this award. Subsequent awards are signified by 5/16 inch gold or silver stars as appropriate.


Citation – Auxiliary Legion of Merit Medal

CIT

AT

ION

TO

AC

CO

MP

AN

Y T

HE

AW

AR

D O

F

TH

E A

UX

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RY

LE

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N O

F M

ER

IT

TO

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OD

OR

E G

EN

E M

. SE

IBE

RT

UN

ITE

D S

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mod

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SE

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RT

is

cite

d f

or o

uts

tan

din

g m

erit

orio

us

serv

ice

as t

he

Nat

ion

al I

mm

edia

te P

ast

Com

mod

ore

from

Ju

ly 2

006

to D

ecem

ber

200

7. A

pp

lyin

g u

np

aral

lele

d c

orpo

rate

insi

ght

and

org

aniz

atio

nal

ski

ll a

s th

e A

uxi

liar

y’s

firs

t re

pre

sen

tati

ve o

n t

he

pre

stig

ious

Coa

st G

uar

d L

ead

ersh

ip C

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cil,

Com

mod

ore

SE

IBE

RT

cle

arly

ill

um

inat

ed

Au

xili

ary

read

ines

s an

d c

apab

ilit

ies

in s

up

por

t of

th

e C

omm

and

ant’

s tr

ansf

orm

atio

n a

nd

mod

ern

izat

ion

in

itia

tive

s.

An

am

bas

sad

or o

f or

gan

izat

ion

al f

lexi

bil

ity

and

mis

sion

su

pp

ort,

he

shep

her

ded

Au

xili

ary

alig

nm

ent

wit

h C

oast

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uar

d

and

D

epar

tmen

t of

H

omel

and

S

ecu

rity

go

als,

ob

ject

ives

, an

d

stra

tegi

c in

ten

t.

As

Ch

airp

erso

n

of

the

Lea

der

ship

Gu

idan

ce T

eam

, Com

mod

ore

SE

IBE

RT

’s s

up

erb

man

ager

ial

and

men

tori

ng

exp

erti

se w

ere

inst

rum

enta

l to

th

e cr

eati

on o

f th

e A

uxi

liar

y L

ead

er D

evel

opm

ent

Str

ateg

ic P

lan

an

d L

ead

ersh

ip F

ram

ewor

k t

hat

est

abli

shed

a

com

pre

hen

sive

lea

der

ship

con

tin

uum

for

th

e or

gan

izat

ion

’s f

utu

re e

lect

ed a

nd

ap

poi

nte

d o

ffic

ers.

Exe

rcis

ing

sim

ilar

A

s ch

airp

erso

n o

f th

e A

uxi

liar

y L

ong

Ran

ge S

tud

y T

eam

(L

RS

T),

Com

mod

ore

SE

IBE

RT

has

use

d h

is e

xper

tise

an

d

inti

mat

e k

now

led

ge o

f C

oast

Gu

ard

pol

icy

and

dir

ecti

on t

o gu

ide

dis

cuss

ion

of

an a

pp

rop

riat

e or

gan

izat

ion

al

stru

ctu

re t

hat

wil

l en

able

th

e A

uxi

liar

y to

su

pp

ort

the

Coa

st G

uar

d’s

mod

ern

izat

ion

of

it c

omm

and

an

d c

ontr

ol

stru

ctu

re,

for

tod

ay a

nd

th

e fu

ture

. P

rofo

un

dly

ded

icat

ed t

o th

e p

rofe

ssio

nal

dev

elop

men

t of

oth

ers,

he

serv

ed a

s a

lead

in

stru

ctor

an

d c

urr

icu

lum

dev

elop

er f

or t

he

Au

xili

ary

Sen

ior

Off

icer

Cou

rse,

an

d d

eliv

ered

in

valu

able

exe

cuti

ve

leve

l tr

ain

ing

on c

han

ge m

anag

emen

t, t

ran

siti

on t

ech

niq

ues

, an

d p

roto

col.

His

un

wav

erin

g al

legi

ance

an

d t

irel

ess

effo

rts

anch

ored

th

e A

uxi

liar

y’s

reso

lve

to s

up

por

t an

d e

nab

le t

he

Coa

st G

uar

d t

o fu

lfil

l its

man

tra,

“A

ll H

azar

ds…

All

Th

reat

s…A

lway

s R

eady

.”

Com

mod

ore

SE

IBE

RT

’s

abil

ity,

d

ilig

ence

, an

d

dev

otio

n

to

du

ty

are

mos

t h

eart

ily

com

men

ded

an

d a

re in

kee

pin

g w

ith

th

e h

ighe

st t

radi

tion

s of

th

e U

nit

ed S

tate

s C

oast

Gu

ard

.


Auxiliary Distinguished Service Medal

This award, equivalent of the US Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, recognizes those individuals who distinguish themselves by contributing exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service to the Coast Guard Auxiliary at the National level. The performance required to justify this award is exceptional performance of duty which benefits the entire Auxiliary. This performance must be much higher than normally expected and must have a measurable, positive effect on the entire Auxiliary organization. Normally this award will be given to elected or appointed officers for extraordinary achievement. However, this caveat does not exclude the possibility that anyone whose service measures up to the above description may be recognized by this award. This award can only be approved by the Commandant of the US Coast Guard. Special wording that should appear in the citation: EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, MERITORIOUS SERVICE having a SIGNIFICANT NATIONAL IMPACT on the entire US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Include QUANTIFIABLE MEASURE of the Auxiliarist’s contribution. The award consists of a Commandant’s citation letter, a plaque, ribbon, miniature medal, and lapel pin. The operational “O” attachment is not authorized for this award. Subsequent awards are signified by 5/16 inch gold or silver stars as appropriate. Active duty and reserve members can be recognized with this award but the associated ribbon and medal are not authorized for wear on the Active Duty uniform.


Citation – Auxiliary Distinguished Service Medal

CIT

AT

ION

TO

AC

CO

MP

AN

Y T

HE

AW

AR

D O

F

T

HE

AU

XIL

IAR

Y D

IST

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UIS

HE

D S

ER

VIC

E M

ED

AL

TO

CO

MM

OD

OR

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RE

TT

W. E

DG

ER

TO

N, J

R.

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ED

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CO

AS

T G

UA

RD

AU

XIL

IAR

Y

C

omm

odor

e E

DG

ER

TO

N is

cit

ed f

or e

xcep

tion

ally

mer

itor

iou

s se

rvic

e to

th

e G

over

nm

ent

of t

he

Un

ited

Sta

tes

in

a p

osit

ion

of

grea

t re

spon

sib

ilit

y as

Nat

ion

al A

uxil

iary

Com

mod

ore

from

Nov

emb

er 2

002

to S

epte

mb

er 2

004.

E

xerc

isin

g ex

cep

tion

al v

isio

n a

nd

exe

mp

lary

lea

der

ship

, Com

mod

ore

ED

GE

RT

ON

gu

ided

th

e A

uxi

liar

y th

rou

gh

a p

erio

d o

f u

np

rece

den

ted

gro

wth

an

d e

xpan

sion

of

its

role

s an

d m

issi

ons.

W

ith

kee

n i

nsi

ght

and

org

aniz

atio

nal

sk

ill,

he

sign

ific

antl

y ra

ised

th

e A

uxi

liar

y re

adin

ess

and

cap

abil

itie

s b

y cl

earl

y d

efin

ing

the

valu

e of

th

ree

fun

dam

enta

l p

rin

cip

les-

peo

ple

, p

roce

sses

, an

d p

rofe

ssio

nal

ism

. C

omm

odor

e E

DG

ER

TO

N s

up

erb

ly n

avig

ated

th

e A

uxi

liar

y th

rou

gh

imp

lem

enta

tion

of

P

has

es

II

and

II

I of

O

per

atio

n P

atri

ot

Rea

din

ess,

es

tab

lish

ing

rem

ark

able

new

lev

els

of A

uxi

liar

y su

pp

ort

to C

oast

Gu

ard

mis

sion

s, p

arti

cula

rly

por

ts,

wat

erw

ays,

an

d c

oast

al

secu

rity

. W

ith

det

erm

ined

vig

or,

Com

mod

ore

ED

GE

RT

ON

sh

eph

erd

ed r

apid

Au

xili

ary

grow

th i

n i

ts r

esou

rces

in

clu

din

g in

crea

ses

of m

ore

than

4,5

00 m

emb

ers,

1,5

00 p

atro

l ve

ssel

s, 1

10 a

ircr

aft,

an

d 8

00 r

adio

sta

tion

s.

His

ar

den

t ad

voca

cy h

elp

ed g

arn

er o

ver

$2.3

mil

lion

in

ad

dit

ion

al C

oast

Gu

ard

fu

nd

ing

sup

por

t fo

r al

l A

uxi

liar

y p

rogr

ams.

T

o m

eet

the

Dep

artm

ent

of H

omel

and

Sec

uri

ty’s

man

dat

e to

end

ure

th

e co

mp

lete

in

tegr

ity

of i

ts

wor

kfo

rce,

Com

mod

ore

ED

GE

RT

ON

eff

ecti

vely

bri

dge

d th

e ga

ps

betw

een

th

e C

oast

Gu

ard

’s O

ffic

e of

Sec

uri

ty

Pol

icy

and

Man

agem

ent,

its

Sec

urit

y C

ente

r, a

nd

th

e A

uxi

liar

y, t

o in

itia

te t

he

mos

t co

mp

reh

ensi

ve s

erie

s of

p

erso

nn

el s

ecu

rity

in

vest

igat

ion

s ev

er r

equ

ired

for

Au

xili

aris

ts.

Ref

lect

ing

his

tir

eles

s pu

rsu

it o

f ex

cell

ence

, A

uxi

liar

ists

ove

rwh

elm

ingl

y ad

opte

d t

his

new

req

uir

emen

t an

d s

olid

ifie

d t

hei

r w

ell-

des

erve

d s

har

e of

th

e n

atio

n’s

p

ub

lic

tru

st.

C

omm

odor

e E

DG

ER

TO

N’s

le

ader

ship

, d

edic

atio

n,

and

d

evot

ion

to

d

uty

ar

e m

ost

hea

rtil

y co

mm

end

ed a

nd

are

in k

eep

ing

wit

h t

he

hig

hest

tra

diti

ons

of t

he

Un

ited

Sta

tes

Coa

st G

uar

d.


Award Perfection/Approval Checklists

General comments: o Remember that your citation and accompanying documentation, where applicable are the

only things that the reviewing officers and Award Board will see in evaluating whether or not the member will receive the award.

o If you are not experienced in writing awards for members, get help from your Flotilla Commander or Division Commander…either or both of these individuals have likely written a number of successful award citations.

o Medal of Operational Merit, Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal, Plaque of Merit, Auxiliary Legion of Merit, and Auxiliary Distinguished Service Medal all require supporting documentation. All others require only the Award Recommendation Form and a well written commendation.

o While not required for awards below the level of the Meritorious Service Medal, supporting documentation is always helpful for those who will be reviewing the award recommendation and may strengthen the likelihood of approval at level of award submitted. More information is always better than less.

o When you have recommended a member for an award, do not indicate to the member that they are to receive an award until you are certain that the award has been approved.

o Sometimes, the District Chief of Staff or District Captain will get back to you and ask that the commendation be re-worked in order to secure approval or will advise you why an award was not approved.

o A message accompanying the award recommendation summarizing the outcome of the activity or event will strengthen the award recommendation. For example, if a member or unit held 16 public education classes and only 26 people in total were educated, that would not be notable. However, if 2 public education events were held and over 200 people were in attendance, that would be truly notable and worthy of recognition. Information such as this can also be contained in the citation itself.


Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Checklist MEMBERS NAMES: _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ RECOMMENDER: _______________________________________________ TODAY’S DATE: _______________________________ Commendable action is activity which is above and beyond other groups in like

activity. For team members being recognized, include Unit identification or organization for

locating the recipients at the time the award is presented.

Justify in commendation why action is “above and beyond”

See criteria for Award of Operational Merit if award is operational, i.e., OUTSTANDING

OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE or SKILL in performing an ASSIST or RESCUE or

OTHER OPERATIONAL MERITORIOUS OPERATIONAL SERVICE.

See criteria for Auxiliary Commendation Medal, i.e., the activity is TRULY OUTSTANDING

If action is operational in nature, include “O” device in commendation

No additional documentation attachments required

Award Recommendation Form complete

Sent to the District Captain or District Chief of Staff on _____________ (date)


Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation Checklist MEMBER NAME: ________ _______________________________________ RECOMMENDER: _______________________________________________ TODAY’S DATE: _______________________________ Commendable action less than for Auxiliary Achievement Medal (see below)

Award being used to recognize a special event

Action being recognized covers a period of one year or less

Use the words EXCEPTIONAL in commendation

Justify in commendation why action is “above and beyond”

Ask yourself is member just “doing his/her job”? If that’s how the commendation reads,

work on it yourself or get advice

If action is operational in nature, include “O” device in commendation

No additional documentation attachments required




Auxiliary Achievement Medal Checklist MEMBER NAME: ________ _______________________________________ RECOMMENDER: _______________________________________________ TODAY’S DATE: _______________________________ Recognizes sustained professional leadership and/or management in either administration

or operations

Service must be of an exceptional nature or an outstanding service that is worthy of

special recognition.

Citation states specifically that service is sustained for a period of one year or longer

i) SUSTAINED leadership over a period of ____ months/years

ii) MERITORIOUS OPERATIONAL ACTIVITY for the citation period

iii) MERITORIOUS ADMINISTRATIVE PERFORMANCE for the citation period

If action is operational in nature – include “O” device in commendation

District 8CR Award Recommendation form complete



Auxiliary Commendation Medal Checklist MEMBER NAME: ________ _______________________________________ RECOMMENDER: _______________________________________________ TODAY’S DATE: _______________________________ Award is administrative in nature only…not appropriate for any operational activity.

Recognizes truly outstanding administrative or service activity that furthers any authorized

program area

Must be approved by any CG Commanding Officer O-6 or above

Wording in the commendation must demonstrate that the activity is TRULY

OUTSTANDING

Neither performing a difficult job well nor doing a routine job in an excellent manner

qualifies for this award.




Medal of Operational Merit Checklist MEMBER NAME: ________ _______________________________________ RECOMMENDER: _______________________________________________ TODAY’S DATE: _______________________________ Equivalent to the US Coast Guard Commendation Medal with “O” device

Recognizes meritorious operational performance in assist, rescue or other operational

service

Issued ONLY for underway operations – aircraft, boat or ship.

Wording in commendation should include OUTSTANDING OPERATIONAL

PERFORMANCE or SKILL in performing an ASSIST or RESCUE or OTHER

OPERATIONAL MERITORIOUS OPERATIONAL SERVICE.

SKILL required but not extreme skill

There does not have to be a risk to the member’s life.

Must be approved by any CG Commanding Officer O-6 or above.

Award Recommendation Form complete.

Sent to the District Captain or District Chief of Staff on __________ (date)


Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal Checklist MEMBER NAME: ________ _______________________________________ RECOMMENDER: _______________________________________________ TODAY’S DATE: _______________________________ Equivalent to US Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal

Recognizes meritorious service to the US Coast Guard or US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Recognized service must have enhanced Auxiliary goals at the District level.

Performance clearly of a much higher level than normally expected and had a positive

impact on the quality of the US Coast Guard or US Coast Guard Auxiliary’s ability to

complete its missions and goals.

Wording in commendation should include OUTSTANDING and MERITORIOUS and

service WORTHY OF SPECIAL RECOGNITION that contributed significantly to the

fulfillment of Auxiliary goals.

Must be approved by any CG Flag Officer.

Summary of action or service must accompany Award From and citation but should be

limited to one-page in length.




Plaque of Merit Checklist MEMBER NAME: ________ _______________________________________ RECOMMENDER: _______________________________________________ TODAY’S DATE: _______________________________ Equivalent to the US Coast Guard Medal

Recognizes heroism in the face of grave personal risk that clearly stands out as above

normal expectations.

Issued ONLY for underway operations – aircraft, boat or ship.

Wording in commendation should include EXTREME SKILL in performing an ASSIST or

RESCUE at RISK TO THE MEMBER’S LIFE

EXTREME SKILL required

There was a risk to the member’s life

Must be approved by any CG Flag Officer

Summary of action or service must accompany Award Form and citation.




Auxiliary Legion of Merit Medal Checklist MEMBER NAME: ________ _______________________________________ RECOMMENDER: _______________________________________________ TODAY’S DATE: _______________________________ Equivalent to US Coast Guard Legion of Merit Medal

Recognizes exceptionally meritorious service and distinguished service to the US Coast

Guard Auxiliary over multiple Districts or Regions, an entire Coast Guard Area, or the US

Coast Guard Auxiliary nationally.

Recognized exceptional performance of duty that benefited the Auxiliary over a wide-

ranging area or nationally. If of national significance, the meritorious service may not

quite measure up to the level of the Distinguished Service Medal.

Performance clearly of a much higher level than normally expected and must have a

measurable, positive effect on the Auxiliary in multiple Districts or Regions, a Coast Guard

Area, or the entire United States Coast Guard Auxiliary at the National level.

Wording in commendation should include member DISTINGUISHED him/herself and

contributed EXCEPTIONALLY MERITORIOUS service WORTHY OF SPECIAL

RECOGNITION that contributed significantly to the MULTIPLE DISTRICTS OR

REGIONS/A COAST GUARD AREA/ OR THE ENTIRE AUXILIARY

ORGANIZATION.

Must be awarded/approved by a Vice Admiral or above.





Auxiliary Distinguished Service Medal Checklist MEMBER NAME: ________ _______________________________________ RECOMMENDER: _______________________________________________ TODAY’S DATE: _______________________________ Equivalent to US Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal

Recognizes exceptionally meritorious service and distinguished service to the US Coast

Guard Auxiliary as a national organization.

Recognized exceptional performance of duty that benefited the Auxiliary as a whole.

Performance clearly of a much higher level than normally expected and must have a

measurable, positive effect on the entire organization.

Wording in commendation should include member DISTINGUISHED him/herself and

contributed EXCEPTIONALLY MERITORIOUS service WORTHY OF SPECIAL

RECOGNITION that contributed significantly to the ENTIRE AUXILIARY

ORGANIZATION.

Must be awarded/approved by the Commandant.


District 8CR Award Recommendation Form complete.


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